Warning issued as charges laid over alleged smuggling incidents at the Alexander Maconochie Centre

People considering smuggling illicit substances into Canberra’s main prison have been warned to think again following a string of arrests at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre can attract a $1000 fine, a year in prison or both, while supplying a drug of dependence could result in a $5000 fine, imprisonment for five years or both.

ACT Policing Officer in Charge of Covert and Capability, Inspector Brett Booth, warned there was a full-time focus on targeting illicit drugs and contraband coming into the AMC.

“If you attempt to bring illicit substances or contraband into the AMC, you can expect to see us and you will be arrested and charged accordingly,” he said.

The warning comes following three arrests in the past three months.

The incident relates to a man accused of internally concealing two strips of the medical opioid Buprenorphine wrapped in plastic.

He was being admitted to the AMC following his arrest on other matters when the alleged discovery was made on 20 September.

He’s expected to be charged.

A second incident relates to a woman captured on CCTV allegedly passing a package to a detainee she had been visiting on 7 September.

The detainee was approached by ACT Corrections staff who retrieved the package and found a USB memory stick.

The woman was charged with taking a prohibited item into a correctional facility, driving while suspended and driving as an unaccompanied learner.

Lastly, a woman was charged with taking a prohibited item into a correctional centre and supplying a drug of dependence following an alleged incident on 24 August.

She’s accused of delivering a pair of shoes to a detainee who was known to her.

ACT Corrections staff searched the shoes and found about 20 Buprenorphine strips underneath the sole of the shoes.

The woman had been subject to unrelated bail conditions at the time.

AMC detainees must request approval to have clothing or other items brought to them by a visitor. More information about visiting detainees at the AMC can be found online.